Victorian Government confirms southwest Victoria drought funding

Premier Jacinta Allan has revealed a new drought package for southwest Victoria after one of its driest years on record. Here’s the details.

Water infrastructure and counselling services will be bankrolled in a new $13 million drought package for southwest Victoria.

Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed 11 municipalities covering southwest Victoria and parts of the Wimmera would receive targeted funding for drought relief, following months of lobbying from agricultural leaders.

A dedicated Drought Regional Coordinator will be also appointed to make sure support is reaching people effectively.

“Farmers in Victoria’s south west are facing the lowest rainfall on record, and we’re stepping in to support them,” the Premier said.

“Victorians are proud of our world-class produce, and we’ll always support our world-class producers”.

Victorian Agriculture Minister Ros Spence said more than $12 million of the package will be allocated infrastructure upgrades.

Eligible farmers will receive up to $5000 as a co-contribution grant to support the installation of pipes, tanks, troughs, dams, stock containment areas as well as grain and fodder storage.

The package also includes $1.18 million directed at counselling and advice for farmers experiencing financial and emotional distress to help them make informed financial decisions and safeguard their wellbeing

Western Victoria Green Drought. Farmer Kathryn Robertson with dryer than usual soil, on her property near Hamilton in Western Victoria. Picture: Alex Coppel

Ms Spence toured southwest Victoria earlier this month, seeing the green drought zone first-hand at Bessiebelle and Macarthur, 65 kilometres northwest of Warrnambool.

The State Agriculture Minister also visited Dergholm, 35 kilometres northwest of Casterton — near the South Australian border.

“I’ve heard directly from farmers in the south west about the impact drought conditions are having on our communities, and this package will drive the long term resilience the south west needs,” Ms Spence said.

Municipalities covered by the drought aid include: Glenelg, Southern Grampians, Warrnambool, Moyne, Corangamite, Colac Otway, Surf Coast, West Wimmera, Ararat, Pyrenees and Golden Plains shires.